Free Online UNIX Timestamp Converter
Convert UNIX Timestamp to Date
Convert Date to UNIX Timestamp
Free Online UNIX Timestamp Converter
For developers, system administrators, and anyone working with computer systems, the UNIX timestamp is a fundamental concept. It represents a point in time as the number of seconds that have elapsed since the UNIX Epoch (00:00:00 UTC on 1 January 1970). Our free Online UNIX Timestamp Converter is an essential utility that simplifies the process of converting these numerical timestamps into human-readable dates and vice-versa. This tool eliminates the need for manual calculations or command-line operations, providing instant and accurate conversions right in your browser.
How to Use the Converter
Our tool offers two-way conversion in a clear and simple interface.
Timestamp to Date:
- Enter Timestamp: In the first section, type or paste the UNIX timestamp (in seconds) into the input field. For a quick test, you can click on the "Current timestamp" value to populate the field.
- View Result: The tool will instantly convert the timestamp into a human-readable date and time, displaying the result in both your local time zone and in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).
Date to Timestamp:
- Select Date and Time: In the second section, use the date and time picker to select the exact date and time you want to convert.
- View Result: As you select the date, the corresponding UNIX timestamp will be automatically calculated and displayed in the result box below.
Why is a UNIX Timestamp Converter Useful?
While invisible to most end-users, UNIX timestamps are the backbone of timekeeping in many computing systems.
- Debugging and Development: Developers frequently encounter timestamps in databases, log files, APIs, and file metadata. This tool allows them to quickly translate these numbers into understandable dates to debug issues, verify data, or test functionalities.
- System Administration: System administrators use timestamps to check file modification times, analyze server logs, and manage scheduled tasks (cron jobs). A quick converter is invaluable for these tasks.
- Data Analysis: When working with datasets that include time-based information, converting timestamps is a crucial first step for analysis and visualization.
- Educational Tool: For students learning about computer science or programming, this tool provides a hands-on way to understand how computers represent and handle time.
- Convenience: It's faster and more user-friendly than writing a script or using a command-line tool for a one-off conversion.
Key Features
- Two-Way Conversion: Seamlessly convert from timestamp to date and from date to timestamp.
- Real-Time Updates: Conversions happen instantly as you type or select a date, with no need to click a "Convert" button.
- Local and UTC Time: When converting from a timestamp, we provide the date in both your local time zone and UTC for clarity and context.
- Current Timestamp Display: A live-updating display of the current UNIX timestamp is provided for quick reference.
- Browser-Based and Private: All conversions are done within your browser. No data is sent to our servers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between timestamps in seconds and milliseconds?
A standard UNIX timestamp is the number of seconds since the Epoch. However, some systems (like JavaScript's `Date.now()`) use milliseconds. Our tool is designed to work with the standard seconds-based timestamp. If you have a millisecond timestamp, simply divide it by 1000 before pasting it into our converter.
What is "Epoch time"?
Epoch time is another name for UNIX time or POSIX time. It refers to the system of representing time as the number of seconds elapsed since the start of the UNIX Epoch, which is defined as 00:00:00 UTC on Thursday, 1 January 1970. It's a universal standard used in many operating systems and programming languages.
Does the converter handle my local time zone?
Yes. When converting a timestamp to a date, we show you the result in your browser's local time zone, as well as the universal UTC time. When converting a date to a timestamp, the date you pick is assumed to be in your local time zone, and the tool correctly calculates the corresponding UTC-based timestamp.
